“It (philosophy) is a practical want of intellectual education about life on this Earth they suffer from.” - Swami Vivekanada on the Indian populace.
Swami Vivekananda
The lecture titled "My Life and Mission" was delivered by Swami Vivekananda to the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena, California, in January 1900. In this poignant address, he vividly depicted his deep compassion for the suffering millions in India and outlined his vision for restoring his motherland to its former glory. This occasion stands out as one of the rare moments when Swami Vivekananda spoke so intimately about his personal struggles and sorrows.
I first came across Swami Vivekananda's lecture, "My Life and Mission," as an early teenager during a visit to Pragati Maidan. At that time, I was not mature enough to fully appreciate the profound contents of this lecture. Now, as I revisit it for the fifth time (I guess; I have lost count honestly), I wanted to share a summary of this remarkable address.
Set in the backdrop of the colonial regime, Swami begins by painting a vivid picture of India as a nation facing severe challenges—ruins, poverty, and a lack of self-governance. Yet, he emphasizes that beneath this exterior lies an indomitable spirit fueled by deep-rooted spirituality. Unlike nations driven by wealth and power, India's mission is intrinsically linked to God and spirituality. This profound focus sets India apart, ensuring its core vitality remains untouched despite material hardships. Swami believes that every nation has a mission. Once the mission is destroyed, the nation collapses: Rome’s mission was imperialism, but as soon as that was challenged, Rome fell apart. Greece faded away as soon as its intellectual prowess waned.
Perhaps this is why India continues to endure as a nation despite its significant challenges in governance and authority till date. The persistent spiritual mission of India sustains its heart and soul, offering resilience and hope amid the turmoil.
In a thought-provoking observation, Swami discusses the proliferation of religious sects in India. Rather than viewing it as a sign of decay, he sees it as a testament to the nation's spiritual vitality. The emergence of new sects signifies an ongoing and robust spiritual current, reflecting the dynamic and living nature of India's spiritual landscape.
“The stronger the current, the more the whirlpools and eddies.” - Swami Vivekananda on Sectarianism.
(Credits: Bing AI)
Swami delves into the unique aspects of the Sannyasin Order in India, distinguishing it from the priesthood. Priests follow a hereditary path, bound by marital and familial ties, while Sannyasins renounce worldly life entirely. They embrace a life of celibacy and possess no property, dedicating themselves fully to spiritual pursuits. The relationship between teacher and disciple in this tradition is deeply profound, akin to a familial bond where respect and obedience are paramount.
Swami Vivekananda was also critical of the contrasting mindsets between the East and the West. He observed that in the West, there is an intolerance towards individuals who choose to lead the life of a monk, while in India, there is an intolerance towards those who seek to enjoy material pleasures. Swami highlighted the injustice of both these ideologies, referring to them as the "tyranny of the wise." He argued that each individual should have the freedom to pursue their chosen path, whether it be spiritual or material, without facing societal condemnation.
“There should be a perfect balance between the monastics and the householders.” - Swami Vivekananda
(Credits: Bing AI)